I never make a physical list anymore for overnighters or weekends. It is part of my bid for freedom from over-thinking, being too regimented, learning to have fun without demanding a perfect plan or perfection.  Actually, I am pretty good at organizing and keeping a list in my head.

I packed a dressy black tank top – the kind with mesh overlay on a silver pattern.  Black is always a good choice when you work for a media family.  I never know when I will be called from childcare or filing to grip for a photo shoot. Family focused personal assistant duties are varied. Black is always appropriate.  

For arrival day, I was wearing a navy and white sundress. My employers were headed out of town for a concert, making it a Nanny-Granny sleepover.  My duties that evening would be mostly kitchen and cuddle.  

As I rolled the tank top into my backpack, I made a mental note to grab my black bra when I stuck in the black dressy capris.  As I stowed my Mac in the oversize purse with toothbrush and change of underwear, I contemplated exchanging the capris for decorated denim shorts. After-all, shorts might be more serviceable in the backyard or laundry room. After doing my hair and make-up, grooming items were stowed in the backpack along with the blow dryer.

Maybe it is time to keep a laminated list in the backpack. Somehow, I arrived sans black capris, sans denim shorts. But the really good news is; my black and white pajama bottoms coordinated just fine with the dressy tank top.  This combo worked much better than say, running my fingers through my hair in place of a hairbrush.  That happened once – or rubbing toothpaste on each tooth in the absence of a toothbrush.

Yesterday was another wild-idea Wednesday.  On impulse, I bolted to Fort Collins to take in a Gypsy’s Curse concert.  I was so pleased with my organizational skills. I have the black traveling capris and the go with anything tank top, the hairbrush, toothbrush, beach towel – even a lunch. This time I forgot pjs. No matter. Between a concert that lasted until 1:00 a.m. and breakfast with my kids early this morning, there was precious little time for sleeping.